WO2021224117A1

WO2021224117A1 - Watch glass comprising a decorative element

Info

Publication number: WO2021224117A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/061341
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Bonke
Original assignee: Realization Desal Ag
Priority date: 2020-05-08
Filing date: 2021-04-29
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Also published as: EP4147095A1; DE102020112541B4; DE102020112541A1; US20230176529A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch glass (10) having a first glass (1), a second glass (2) and a decorative element (3). The second glass (2) is connected to the first glass (1) via a connecting intermediate layer (5). The decorative element (3) is inserted in a mounting (6) arranged in an opening (4) in the watch glass. The opening (4) in the watch glass is formed by a first opening (41) in the first glass (1) and a second opening (42) in the second glass (2), the first glass (1), the second glass (2) and the mounting (6) defining a space (40) of the opening (4) in the watch glass. The space (40) is filled with connecting material (50) of the connecting intermediate layer (5) so that the mounting (6) is connected to the first glass (1) and the second glass (2) by means of the connecting material (50).

Description

Watch glass with a decorative element

description

The invention relates to a watch glass with a decorative element and a watch with such a watch glass.

Watch glasses with decorative elements are known, for example, from DE 10 2015 207 049 A1.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a watch glass with a decorative element, the decorative element being securely attached to the watch glass.

This problem is solved by a watch glass with the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims contain advantageous developments and refinements of the invention.

The watch glass comprises a first glass, a second glass which is connected to the first glass via a connecting intermediate layer, a watch glass recess which is formed by a first recess in the first glass and a second recess in the second glass, and a decorative element. The decorative element is inserted into a socket which is arranged in the watch glass recess. A space of the watch glass recess, which is defined by the first glass, the second glass and the frame, is filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer, so that the frame is connected to the first glass and the second glass via the connecting material.

By providing the first and the second glass, which are connected to one another via the connecting intermediate layer, a stable watch glass is created. In particular, this structure ensures that potential microcracks, which can arise as a result of the shaping of the first recess in the first glass and the second recess in the second glass, end at the connecting intermediate layer. This means that the micro-cracks in one glass cannot be transferred to the other glass. Because of the contact between the glasses and the connecting intermediate layer, which has a greater elasticity compared to the glasses, the impact energy can also affect both of them via the connecting intermediate layer in the event of a potential impact of the decorative element and / or the frame Glasses are distributed and collected by them. This is particularly advantageous if the watch glass has a large decorative element and thus also a correspondingly large watch glass recess.

In particular, the connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer in the space of the watch glass recess between the first glass, the second glass and the frame contributes to the breaking strength of the watch glass. The reason for this is that the connecting material in this space avoids direct contact between the mount, which can in particular be made of metal, and the watch glass. This significantly reduces or eliminates the risk of the glasses splintering at the location of the watch glass recess.

The connecting intermediate layer and, in particular, its connecting material in the space of the watch glass recess between the first glass, the second glass and the mount also enables a fixed connection of the mount and thus also a fixed arrangement of the decorative element on the watch glass.

Furthermore, the present invention offers the advantage of a watertight watch glass, since the frame on the glasses and the glasses abut one another in a watertight manner due to adhesion and / or cross-linking effects.

In addition, the connecting intermediate layer can compensate for potential deviations in surface area of the glasses, which results in a very stable connection between the glasses.

From the above discussion it emerges that, within the scope of the invention, the connecting intermediate layer advantageously has both connecting material, which is located between opposite surfaces of the glasses, and connecting material, which is in the space of the watch glass recess between the first glass, the second glass and the Version is included. In other words, the connecting material between the opposing surfaces of the glasses and the connecting material in the space already described are advantageously to be understood as a uniform / continuous connecting intermediate layer which serves to connect both the first glass with the second glass and the frame with the To connect glasses.

Furthermore, the formulation means that the space of the watch glass recess between the first glass and the second glass is filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer, advantageously that the space is completely filled.

The wording that the setting is arranged in the watch glass recess means in particular that the setting is positioned both in the first recess and in the second recess. The mount is in particular a metal mount, such as a gold mount, platinum mount, silver mount or stainless steel mount.

In the socket, the decorative element is advantageously in direct contact only with air and / or the socket. This means that the decorative element does not come into direct contact with either the glasses or the connecting intermediate layer. There is direct contact between two contacting components when no further component or connection material is provided between the contacting components in the connection direction.

The socket preferably partially surrounds the decorative element, so that a part, in particular an upper part, of the decorative element is not covered by any further component.

In particular, the decorative element is partially in direct contact with the frame. The decorative element is preferably in direct contact with air below a contact area of the decorative element with the socket.

The first glass is advantageously arranged on the second glass.

In the context of the present invention, the first glass is referred to as the glass on which the light hits first when the watch glass is arranged in a watch. Correspondingly, the second glass is the glass which faces an interior of a case of the watch or the dial.

The first glass and the second glass are preferably each designed as a glass pane. In this case, the first glass and the second glass are preferably connected flatly to one another via the connecting intermediate layer.

In particular, the first glass is made from sapphire glass.

The connecting intermediate layer is arranged in particular between the first glass and the second glass, in particular between opposite surfaces of the glasses.

In the context of the invention, the surface of the first glass facing the second glass can in particular also be referred to as the underside of the first glass. Correspondingly, within the scope of the invention, the surface of the second glass facing the first glass can in particular also be referred to as the upper side of the second glass.

The first glass and the second glass are materially connected to one another by the connecting intermediate layer.

Preferably, a maximum thickness of the connecting intermediate layer between the first glass and the second glass in the thickness direction of the glasses is smaller than a maximum Thickness of the connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer in the space between the first glass, the second glass and the frame in the thickness direction of the glasses.

A maximum thickness of the connecting intermediate layer between the first glass and the second glass in the thickness direction of the glasses is preferably smaller than a maximum thickness of the connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer in the space between the first glass, the second glass and the frame in a direction relative to the thickness of the glasses perpendicular direction.

The connecting material in the space between the first glass, the second glass and the frame preferably has a maximum thickness in the thickness direction of the glasses and / or in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the glasses of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, further preferably at least 4 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm.

The connecting intermediate layer can preferably be formed from an organic or inorganic compound or adhesive or adhesive layer or an elastic film (also: laminating film or composite film, in particular adhesive film).

For example, the connecting intermediate layer can be formed from an EVA laminating film (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer laminating film) or a PVB laminating film (polyvinyl butyral laminating film) or a PU laminating film (polyurethane laminating film).

In particular, the connecting intermediate layer can be formed from cast resin. The casting resin can be, for example, a two-component epoxy resin or a UV-curing one-component adhesive or a cross-linking, highly transparent silicone.

The connecting intermediate layer is advantageously transparent. Since the connecting intermediate layer is not or barely visible, the watch glass and thus also the watch are given a particularly elegant appearance.

The decorative element is preferably a gemstone, in particular a precious stone or semi-precious stone, particularly preferably a diamond. In particular, the gemstone can be natural or synthetic.

In the context of the invention, a gemstone is to be understood as a polished stone, in particular with optical properties, such as transparency. The gem can in particular be faceted.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, a gemstone is understood in particular as a gemstone which meets the following four criteria: 1. Rarity

2. Mohs hardness (gemstone hardness) greater than or equal to 5, preferably greater than or equal to 6, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 7

3. Transparency

4. Refractive index greater than or equal to 1.56, preferably greater than or equal to 1.7

In particular, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are precious stones.

A diamond advantageously has a Mohs hardness of 10 and a refractive index of 2.42.

In the present invention, because of its chemical composition and structure, a glass part is in particular not understood as a gemstone (semi-precious stone, precious stone or other gemstone), even if the glass part consists of a material (starting material) which in its raw state is a gemstone (semiprecious stone, gemstone or other Gemstone). The glass part can for example be a quartz glass, the quartz glass not counting among the gemstones, even if quartz (starting material) is a gemstone.

According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the watch glass, the decorative element can be a metal insert, for example a gold insert.

If the watch glass has a plurality of decorative elements, any combination of semi-precious stones, precious stones, other precious stones and metal inlays is possible.

In particular, a region of the mount can contact the first glass and / or the second glass directly.

The mount is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical.

The holder preferably has at least one recess which is formed in a lateral surface of the holder.

The recess is advantageously filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer. Thus, there is a large amount of the connecting material for attaching the frame to the watch glass. In particular, the at least one recess enlarges a contact area between the mount and the connecting intermediate layer, so that even large mounts or decorative elements can be securely attached to the watch glass. In particular, a large number of recesses described above are formed in the jacket surface of the mount.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one recess can be designed as a recess, in particular a groove. The depression can preferably be designed to be circumferential, in particular completely circumferential, i.e. over 360 degrees.

According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one recess can be designed as a hole.

The hole can particularly preferably be continuous. Thus, the connecting material in the through hole can be connected to the connecting material in the space of the watch glass recess between the first glass, the second glass and the outer surface of the mount. Thus, the socket is not only held on its outer surface via connecting material, but also via connecting material which passes through the socket. The latter strengthens the connection of the socket to the watch glass, which means that the socket cannot detach from the watch glass recess even if the socket hits hard, e.g. if the watch falls down.

In particular if a plurality of through holes is provided in the mount, the holes can preferably overlap in a grid-like manner. A grid can thus also be formed from connecting material.

The socket preferably has a first socket area and a second socket area. The space of the watch glass recess between the first glass, the second glass, the first mounting area and the second mounting area is advantageously filled with connecting material.

Furthermore, the first frame area can preferably be inclined to an axis perpendicular to the glasses. Correspondingly, the second frame area can preferably be inclined to an axis perpendicular to the glasses.

“Inclined” advantageously means that the respective frame area does not extend parallel to an axis perpendicular to the glasses.

The axis perpendicular to the glasses is in particular parallel to the thickness direction of the glasses.

The first mounting area and / or the second mounting area is / are particularly preferably conical.

The first mounting area and the second mounting area advantageously define an interspace which, in the assembled state, is partially or completely with an area of the space of the watch glass recess between the first glass, the second glass and the frame coincides. This means that this gap is filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer in the arranged state of the mount in the watch glass recess.

The second mounting area preferably has a greater inclination than the first mounting area. In other words, the second frame area is preferably more inclined to the axis perpendicular to the glasses than the first frame area.

An angle between the first mounting area and the second mounting area is preferably less than 90 degrees, preferably between 10 degrees and 50 degrees, particularly preferably between 20 degrees and 40 degrees.

In an advantageous manner, the connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer in the space between the first glass, the second glass and the frame has a triangular cross-section in a section perpendicular to the glasses. The cutting plane is defined in particular by the thickness direction of the glasses and the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction.

In particular, the first mount area faces away from the interior of the watch housing when the mount is arranged in the watch glass recess. The second mounting area faces the interior of the housing in particular.

Furthermore, the first mount area has an opening through which the decorative element can be inserted into the mount.

In particular, both the first recess and the second recess are designed to be continuous.

The second mount area preferably protrudes beyond an underside of the second glass, in particular by a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5%, of a thickness of the watch glass.

In the context of the present invention, the thickness of the watch glass corresponds in particular to the sum of the thicknesses of the first glass, the second glass and the connecting intermediate layer in the area between the first glass and the second glass.

According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second mounting area ends in the watch glass recess. This means that the second socket area does not protrude beyond the underside of the second glass. In particular, an end area of the second mount area can be flush with the underside of the second glass. In this context, the “end area” is to be understood in particular as the part of the second frame area which is at the greatest distance in the thickness direction of the glasses from the top of the first glass.

Since the decorative element does not protrude at all or only slightly beyond the second glass, the case of the watch can also be made compact or more space can be available in the case for the movement, the hands and the dial. The movement of the pointer is thus not impaired, and freedom of design of the dial is guaranteed.

The decorative element preferably has a dimension parallel to the thickness direction of the glasses, which is at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably over 100%, of a thickness of the watch glass. The same preferably also applies to the version.

The decorative element can preferably have a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the thickness direction which is at least 1/20, preferably at least 1/16, particularly preferably at least 1/10, of an area of the upper side of the first glass.

If the decorative element is a gemstone, the gemstone preferably has a weight of at least 2 carats, preferably at least 3 carats, preferably at least 4 carats, particularly preferably at least 5 carats. It should be noted that the weight of a gem is an indicator of its size in particular. This means that a gemstone of one type (e.g. diamond) is larger than a gemstone of the same type (also diamond in the context of the example), but which has a lower weight. This means that a cross-sectional area of a gemstone (of the same type) perpendicular to the thickness direction also increases with increasing weight. One carat corresponds to 0.2 grams (2 x 10 ⁴ kg)

A decorative element with the cross-sectional area specified above or a gemstone with the weight specified above are to be understood in the context of the invention in particular as a large decorative element. The appearance of the watch glass is shaped by the use of a large decorative element.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the decorative element can be a gem stone weighing less than 2 carats. For example, the gemstone can have a weight of 0.1 carat, 0.15 carat, 0.5 carat or 1 carat.

It is of course also possible for several decorative elements, in particular several gemstones, to be provided for the watch glass. In such a watch glass, any weight of the decorative elements, in particular the gemstones, can be used Combination possible. For example, a central, in particular round, gemstone with a weight of 1 carat and two marquise-shaped gemstones with a weight of 0.15 carat and 0.15 carat each can be used.

The decorative element preferably protrudes beyond an upper side of the watch glass. A part of the decorative element is advantageously arranged in the watch glass recess.

In other words, a first part of the decorative element is preferably arranged in the watch glass recess, a second part of the decorative element protruding beyond the first glass.

The watch glass recess is formed in particular in the thickness direction.

The watch glass recess can preferably be arranged in the middle of the watch glass. This means that the first recess is preferably arranged centrally in the first glass and the second recess is arranged centrally in the second glass. “Centrally” means that a central axis / center of gravity axis of the watch glass recess or the respective recess lies on a central axis / center of gravity axis of the watch glass or of the respective glass.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the watch glass recess has the same cross section over its entire depth. This means that the first recess and the second recess have the same cross section over their respective depths. The term “cross section” is understood to mean both a cross-sectional area and a cross-sectional shape. Thus, the watch glass recess can be easily produced. The depth of the watch glass recess or of the first recess and the second recess is the dimension of the corresponding recess in the thickness direction of the glasses.

For example, the watch glass recess can be cylindrical.

However, other shapes for the first recess and / or the second recess are also possible. For example, the first recess and / or the second recess can have a rectangular or elliptical cross section.

The shape of the respective recess preferably corresponds to the shape of the frame, in particular the shape of the first frame area and / or the second frame area, in particular if the first frame area and / or the second frame area is in contact with the first glass and / or the second glass / stand.

According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first recess is preferably at least partially, completely, ie over 360 degrees, beveled on the top and / or bottom of the first glass in the circumferential direction. As an alternative or in addition to this, the second recess can preferably be beveled at least partially, in particular completely, ie over 360 degrees, preferably on the upper side and / or lower side of the second glass in the circumferential direction.

In particular, the first recess and / or the second recess can have a conical region. Here, the first recess and / or the second recess can preferably have a cylindrical area.

Both recesses particularly preferably each have a conical area. Both recesses preferably each also have a cylindrical area. The conical areas are advantageously arranged on the upper side of the respective glass. Correspondingly, the cylindrical areas are preferably arranged on the underside of the respective glass. Thus, the cylindrical area of the first recess advantageously faces the conical area of the second recess.

In the context of the invention, the top of the first glass is to be understood as the top of the watch glass. Correspondingly, the underside of the second glass is to be understood as the underside of the watch glass.

The first recess and / or the second recess each preferably have a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the thickness direction that is at least 1/20, preferably at least 1/16, particularly preferably at least 1/10, of an area of the top of the first glass.

The first mounting area preferably rests on the conical area of the first recess, optionally with adhesive bonding in between, and has a complementary, in particular identical, shape to the conical area at the contact point.

The first mounting area is preferably connected to the conical area of the first recess. In particular, an integral connection, particularly preferably an adhesive, is provided between the first mounting area and the conical area of the first recess.

In a corresponding manner, the second mounting area can preferably rest on the cylindrical area of the second recess, optionally with an intervening adhesive bond, and at the contact point with the cylindrical area can have a complementary, in particular identical, shape to the latter.

The second mounting area is preferably connected to the cylindrical area of the second recess. In particular, is between the second frame area and the cylindrical area of the first recess a material connection, particularly preferably an adhesive bond, is provided.

The present invention also relates to a watch which comprises a watch glass as described above. In particular, the watch has a housing on which the watch glass is arranged. The watch glass is preferably mounted in the housing and glued to it. The watch glass is arranged on the housing in such a way that the first glass faces away from an interior of the housing. In other words, the first glass on the clock is the outer glass. Accordingly, the second glass is the inner glass of the watch.

The clock is preferably a wrist watch.

For the production of the watch glass described above, a method is proposed which comprises the following steps:

. Providing the first glass and the second glass,

. Forming the first recess in the first glass and the second recess in the second glass to form the watch glass recess,

. Arranging a socket, preferably with a decorative element already inserted, in the recess, and

. Connecting the first glass to the second glass via the connecting intermediate layer; especially after arranging the decorative element in the watch glass recess.

To provide a decorative element designed as a gemstone, a rough stone can be ground so that the gemstone has the desired cut shape.

The first recess and / or the second recess can preferably be shaped into the respective glass by means of laser drilling or mechanical drilling. Alternatively, the first recess and / or the second recess can preferably be pressed into the corresponding glass using heat, with the corresponding glass being able to be ground in particular after the pressing process.

After the recesses have been formed, the top and / or bottom of the first glass and / or of the second glass is / are preferably ground. In this way, any breakouts that may arise in the recesses can be removed.

The connection of the first glass to the second glass via the connecting intermediate layer preferably includes heating the arrangement of the first glass, the second glass and a starting intermediate layer arranged between them at a temperature between 110 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, in particular between 130 degrees Celsius up to 145 degrees Celsius. The starting intermediate layer can preferably be an organic or inorganic compound or adhesive or adhesive layer or an elastic film (also: laminating film or composite film, in particular adhesive film). If a film is used to connect the glasses, this has a recess at the location of the watch glass recess when the film is placed between the glasses. The cross section of the recess in the film is selected as a function of the cross section of the watch glass recess at the contact surface between the first glass and the second glass. In particular, the recess in the film and the watch glass recess have the same cross-sectional shape at the point described above. Furthermore, a cross-sectional area of the recess of the film is preferably greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the watch glass recess at the point described above.

In particular, the starting intermediate layer can be formed from cast resin. The casting resin can be, for example, a two-component epoxy resin or a UV-curing one-component adhesive or a cross-linking silicone (one-component or two-component product.

Furthermore, the joining of the first glass to the second glass can preferably be carried out under vacuum to remove air from the space between the glasses, and with the application of pressure, in particular from 1 bar (inclusive) to 8 bar (inclusive), on the arrangement the glasses in order to achieve a strong connection between the glasses. Particularly at a pressure of 8 bar, a particularly high level of clarity or transparency of the connecting intermediate layer can be achieved.

The step of connecting the first glass to the second glass via the connecting intermediate layer advantageously also comprises the step of connecting the frame to the watch glass. In particular, under the temperature and pressure conditions already described, material of the initial intermediate layer flows out of the area between the first glass and the second glass and enters the (free) space of the watch glass recess, which is defined by the first glass, the second glass and the frame . In other words, material of the initial intermediate layer flows from the area between the first lens and the second lens into the space around the frame. In particular, this space is completely filled with material from the initial intermediate layer.

By means of the connection process described, an airtight connection point is achieved between the first glass and the second glass and between the two glasses and the frame. Due to the lack of cavities or air bubbles between the frame and the connecting intermediate layer, a vacuum effect occurs, in which the frame is pressed into the watch glass recess by the air pressure exerted on it. At a mechanical load on the mount, at which the mount could start to wobble in the watch glass recess, the vacuum sucks the mount. The setting is therefore not only held by the action of the connecting intermediate layer, but also by the vacuum effect that occurs as described.

The starting intermediate layer can be a liquid adhesive which then hardens to connect the glasses to one another and the frame to the watch glass.

The joining process for joining the first glass to the second glass preferably takes place in an autoclave or a laminator. In the laminator, the arrangement of the first glass, the second glass, the intermediate output intermediate layer and the enclosed decorative element is evacuated, in particular in a vacuum bag, with a pressure of 1 bar from the outside, in particular due to the air surrounding the vacuum bag, on the vacuum bag and at the same time thus the arrangement described above is also exercised. In the autoclave, in addition to the prevailing vacuum under which the arrangement is located, in particular a pressure of greater than 1 bar to 8 bar (inclusive) is exerted on the arrangement by means of a compressor.

In the context of the present invention, the joining process for joining the first glass to the second glass can also be referred to as a lamination process.

In particular, the mount and the watch glass recess are designed in such a way that, when the mount is arranged in the watch glass recess, the mount partially contacts the first glass and / or the second.

The first recess preferably has a first recess area and a second recess area. The first and the second recess area of the first recess advantageously have different shapes.

Accordingly, the second recess can preferably have a first recess area and a second recess area. The first and the second recess area of the second recess advantageously have different shapes.

The first recess area of the first recess can preferably be conical. The second recess area of the first recess can preferably be designed in the shape of a cylinder. Correspondingly, the first recess area of the second recess can preferably be designed conically. The second recess area of the second recess can preferably be designed in the shape of a cylinder.

In particular, the first mount area contacts the first, in particular conical, recess area of the first recess and the second mount area contacts the second, in particular cylindrical, recess area of the second recess.

The frame can preferably be materially connected, in particular glued, to the first glass and / or the second glass via their contact surfaces.

In particular, such a connection is provided between the first mount area and the first, in particular conical, recess area of the first recess and / or between the second mount area and the second, in particular cylindrical, recess area of the second recess.

It is particularly preferred that the mount is materially connected, in particular glued, only to the first glass at its contact point with the first glass. In particular, such a connection is only provided between the first mounting area and the first, in particular conical, recess area of the first recess.

The described material connection, in particular gluing, between the frame and the first glass on their contact surfaces has the advantage that the connecting intermediate layer in the finished watch glass does not come into contact with the ambient air, which means that air humidity cannot reach the connecting intermediate layer. This ensures the adhesion property of the connecting intermediate layer in the finished watch glass, even if the connecting intermediate layer is made from a hygroscopic material. Furthermore, it can thereby be avoided that material of the initial intermediate layer emerges from the watch glass recess during the connection of the first glass to the second glass. In addition, the material connection described has the advantage that the socket remains motionless in the watch glass recess while the first glass is connected to the second glass. Due to the fixed position of the mount during the connection process, a desired positioning of the mount and thus also of the decorative element in the finished watch glass can be achieved precisely. In addition, a particularly firm connection of the mount to the watch glass is guaranteed.

The material used for the cohesive connection described above is advantageously a material, in particular an adhesive material, which is between 110 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, in particular between 130 degrees Celsius to 145 degrees Celsius remains stable, is insensitive to water and does not react with the material of the initial intermediate layer.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a sealing element can preferably be provided instead of gluing at the contact point between the first glass and the mount, in particular between the first glass or the first recess area of the first recess and the first mount area.

Accordingly, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a sealing element can preferably be provided instead of gluing at the contact point between the second glass and the mount, in particular between the second glass or the first recess area of the first recess and the second mount area.

For example, a two-part epoxy resin or a waterproof UV adhesive can be used.

In order to provide the finished watch glass, material of the initial intermediate layer which has potentially flowed out of the space between the glasses is removed.

The finished watch glass can then be introduced into the case of the watch, in particular glued to it on the circumference.

Further details, advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. Identical or functionally identical components are each provided with the same reference numerals. It shows:

1 shows a schematic plan view of a clock according to the invention, which comprises a watch glass according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the watch glass according to the section A-A marked in Fig. 1,

3 shows a schematic sectional view of a first glass of the watch glass from FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a top view of the first glass from FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a second glass of the watch glass from FIG. 2,

6 shows a plan view of the second glass from FIG. 5, and

7 shows a schematic sectional view of a watch glass according to a second

Exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the following, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a watch 100 with a watch glass 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a method of manufacturing the watch glass 10 or the watch 100 are described in detail.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the watch 100 has a housing 11 in which the watch glass 10 is arranged. In particular, the watch glass 10 is glued to the housing 11 over its circumference. The housing 11 and the watch glass 10 are circular, but can have any other shape such as a rectangle, a polygon, etc.

The clock 100, which is in particular a wristwatch, also has a dial 12, which is designed as a gold leaf, for example, three pointers 13 for displaying the hours, minutes and seconds and two connections for connecting the housing 11 to a bracelet 16. The dial 12 and the hands 13 are arranged in an interior 15 of the housing.

It can also be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 that a decorative element 3 is provided in the case of the watch glass 10. In particular, the decorative element 3 is a diamond which is arranged in the center of the watch glass 10. That is, the central axis 301 of the decorative element 3 coincides with the central axis 101 of the watch glass 10. Another arrangement of the decorative element 3, in particular a non-centered arrangement of the decorative element 3 with respect to the watch glass 10, is, however, also possible.

The decorative element 3 preferably has a weight of at least 2 carats, preferably at least 3 carats, preferably at least 4 carats, particularly preferably at least 5 carats. Due to its size, the decorative element 3 characterizes the appearance of the watch glass 10 and thus also of the watch 100. To arrange the decorative element 3 on the watch glass 10, a socket 6 is provided in which the decorative element 3 is accommodated. The mount 6 is in particular a metal mount, such as a gold mount, platinum mount, silver mount or stainless steel mount.

It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the watch glass 10 comprises a first glass 1 and a second glass 2, which are in particular designed as flat glass panes. However, it is also possible for the glasses 1, 2 to be curved with the same curvature on their contact surfaces.

The first glass 1 and the second glass 2 lie on top of one another and are flatly connected to one another via a connecting intermediate layer 5. The material connection by means of the intermediate layer 5 creates an air-tight and water-tight connection point between the glasses 1, 2. In particular, the connecting intermediate layer 5 is formed from a transparent laminating film. For example, the connecting intermediate layer 5 can be formed from an EVA laminating film or a PVB laminating film.

The first glass 1 faces away from an interior 15 of the housing 11 or the second glass 2 faces the interior 15 of the housing 12. Thus, the first glass 1 is the glass that the light hits first. In the context of the invention, the first glass 1 can also be referred to as the upper glass or outer glass and the second glass can also be referred to as the lower glass or inner glass.

The first glass 1 is advantageously formed from sapphire glass, which has a high level of scratch resistance. The second glass 2 is made of mineral glass. However, other materials, such as other types of glass or plastic, are also possible for both the first glass 1 and the second glass 2.

A first recess 41 is formed in the first glass 1 and a second recess 42 is formed in the second glass 2. The first recess 41 and the second recess 42, both of which are continuous, define a watch glass recess 4 in the watch glass 10. A central axis 43 of the watch glass recess 4 lies on the central axis 101 of the watch glass 10.

The mount 6 is inserted into the watch glass recess 4 or into the first recess 41 and the second recess 42.

A space 40 of the watch glass recess 4 is delimited by the first glass 1, the second glass 2 and the mount 6. The space 40 is completely filled with connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5, so that the mount 6 is connected to the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 via the connecting material 50.

The connecting intermediate layer 5 comprises both connecting material 51, which is located between the opposing surfaces 19, 29 of the glasses 1, 2, and the connecting material 50, which is located in the space 40 of the watch glass recess 4. In other words, the connecting material 50 in the space 40 together with the connecting material 51 between the opposing surfaces 19, 29 of the glasses 1, 2 forms the connecting intermediate layer 5, which is formed continuously.

The connecting intermediate layer 5 thus serves to connect the first glass 1 to the second glass 2 and the frame 6 to both glasses 1, 2.

The mount 6, which is designed to be rotationally symmetrical, partially surrounds the decorative element 3, so that an upper part of the decorative element 3 is not covered by any further component or is in direct contact with air. Here are a panel 30 and partially the upper part facets 31 of the decorative element 3 designed as a diamond are in direct contact with air. Thus, light can strike the decorative element 3 directly.

To fix the decorative element 3 in the mount 6, the mount 6 has a flange 60. However, it is also possible that the decorative element 3 is glued in the holder 6 or is connected to it in some other way.

The mount 6 preferably has a first mount area 61 and a second mount area 62. The space 40 of the watch glass recess 4 is defined by the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the first mount area 61 and the second mount area 62.

In particular, the first mount area 61 faces away from the interior 15 of the housing 11 and the dial 12 of the watch 100 compared to the second mount area 62. Correspondingly, the second mounting area 62 faces the interior 15 and the dial 12 in comparison to the first mounting area 61.

The first frame area 61 and the second frame area 62 are each inclined to an axis 102 perpendicular to the glasses 1, 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the axis 102 perpendicular to the glasses 1, 2 coincides with the central axis 101 of the watch glass 10 and is parallel to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2.

The second mounting area 62 has a greater inclination than the first mounting area 61. In other words, the second frame area 62 is more inclined to the axis 102 perpendicular to the glasses 1, 2 than the first frame area 61.

In particular, the first mount area 61 and the second mount area 62 are conical, the mount areas 61, 62 having a common end area 63. However, other shapes for the first mounting area 61 and / or the second mounting area 62 are also possible.

The mount 6 or the first mount region 61 furthermore has an opening 64 through which the decorative element 3 is inserted into the mount 6.

The first mount area 61 and the second mount area 62 define an interspace 67 which, in the assembled state of the mount 6, is filled with the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5.

From Figure 2 it can be seen that a maximum thickness 507 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 is less than a maximum thickness 506 of the connecting material 50 of the connecting Intermediate layer 5 in the space 40 between the first glass 1, the second glass 2 and the frame 6 in the thickness direction of the glasses 1, 2.

Furthermore, a maximum thickness 507 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 in the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 is smaller than a maximum thickness 508 of the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the space 40 between the first glass 1 , the second lens 2 and the frame 6 in a direction 501 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500 of the lenses 1, 2.

For example, the maximum thickness can be 507 to 0.4 mm, preferably up to 0.5 mm. The maximum thickness 508 can be 2 mm, for example.

Furthermore, the connecting material 50 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 has a triangular cross-section in the space 40 on a sectional plane perpendicular to the upper side 18 of the watch glass 10. The cutting plane is defined by the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2 and a direction 501 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500.

In this exemplary embodiment, the second mount area 62 protrudes beyond the underside 28 of the second glass 2, in particular by a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5%, of a thickness 505 of the watch glass 10.

The thickness 505 of the watch glass 10 corresponds to the sum of the thickness 502 of the first glass 1, the thickness 503 of the second glass 2 and the thickness 504 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the area between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 (measured at the same point ).

However, it is also possible for the second mount area 62 to end in the watch glass recess 4. In particular, the second mount area 62 can be flush with the underside 28 of the second glass 2.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the first recess 41 has a conical recess area 410 (first recess area of the first recess 41) and a cylindrical recess area 411 (second recess area of the first recess 41). Correspondingly, according to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the second recess 42 has a conical recess area 420 (first recess area of the second recess 42) and a cylindrical recess area 421 (second recess area of the second recess 42). However, other shapes for the first recess 41 and / or the second recess 42, in particular for the recess areas 410, 411, 420, 422, are also possible. The conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41 is arranged on the top side 18 of the first glass 1, the conical recess area 420 of the second recess 42 being arranged on the top side 29 of the second glass 2. Correspondingly, the cylindrical recess area 411 is arranged on the underside 19 of the first glass 1, the cylindrical recess area 421 being arranged on the underside 29 of the second glass 2.

In particular, the conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41 extends over the upper half of the depth of the first recess 1, the cylindrical recess area 411 of the first recess 41 extending over the lower half of the depth of the first recess 41. The same applies to the conical recess area 420 and the cylindrical recess area 421 of the second recess 42.

To form the conical recess areas 410, 420, the first recess 41 and the second recess 42 on the upper sides 18, 28 of the glasses 1, 2 are beveled completely in the circumferential direction, i.e. over 360 degrees.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the first mounting area 61 rests on the conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41 and has the same shape as the conical recess area 410 at its contact point. In particular, the first mount area 61 is glued to the conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41.

In a corresponding manner, the second mounting area 62 makes contact with the cylindrical recess area 421 of the second recess 42 and, at its contact point, has the same shape as the cylindrical recess area 421. In particular, the second mount area 62 is glued to the cylindrical recess area 421 of the second recess 42.

Thus, the space 40 of the watch glass recess 4 is defined in particular by the cylindrical recess area 411 of the first recess 41, the first mount area 61, the second mount area 62 and the cylindrical recess area 421 of the second recess 42.

The decorative element 3 protrudes beyond an upper side 18 of the watch glass 10 and is partially arranged in the watch glass recess 4. In particular, the decorative element 3 has a dimension 300 parallel to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2, which is over 100% of the thickness 505 of the watch glass 10. The decorative element 3 can, however, have a dimension 300 parallel to the thickness direction 500 of the glasses 1, 2, which is smaller than the thickness 505 of the Watch glass 10 is. The decorative element 3 can be arranged in such a way that it still protrudes over the top 18 of the watch glass 10.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the decorative element 3 also has a maximum cross-sectional area 302 in the direction 501 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500. The maximum cross-sectional area 302 can be at least 1/20, preferably at least 1/16, particularly preferably at least 1/10, of the area of the top 18 of the first glass 1.

Correspondingly, the watch glass recess 4, in particular the first recess 41, has a cross-sectional area 400, in particular on the upper side 18 of the first glass 1 in a direction 501 perpendicular to the thickness direction 500, which is at least 1/20, preferably at least 1/16, particularly preferably at least 1/10, the area of the top 18 of the first glass 1 is.

According to FIG. 2, a recess 65 (shown in dashed lines) can optionally be formed in a jacket surface 66 of the mount 6. In particular, the recess 65 can be a completely circumferential groove. In this embodiment of the mount 6, the groove is advantageously filled with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer 5 and connected to the connecting material 50 in the space 40 between the first glass 1, the second glass 2 and the mount 6. The recess 65 provides an additional contact surface between the mount 6 and the connecting intermediate layer 5, so that an even tighter connection of the mount 6 to the watch glass 10 can be achieved.

To produce the watch glass 1 described above, first the first glass 1 and the second glass 2, the decorative element 3 and the frame 6 are provided.

The first recess 41 and the second recess 42 can preferably be formed by means of laser drilling or mechanical drilling or water jet cutting or ultrasonic drilling or pressing into the respective glass 1, 2.

After the recesses 41, 42 have been formed, the upper sides 18, 29 and the lower sides 19, 28 of the glasses 1, 2 are ground. In this way, potentially resulting breakouts at the recesses 41, 42 can be removed.

To provide the decorative element 3 designed as a diamond, a rough diamond is cut so that the diamond has the desired cut shape.

The decorative element 3 is then set in the socket.

An initial intermediate layer, which is designed as a laminating film, is placed on the second glass 2. The laminating film is provided with a recess, which is in the laminating film is designed such that it is positioned in the arranged state of the laminating film on the second glass 2 at the location of the second recess 42.

Then the first glass 1 is placed on the second glass 2 or the laminating film and the mount 6 with the decorative element 3 is inserted into the recess formed by the first recess 41, the recess of the laminating film and the second recess 42.

First of all, the first mounting area 61 is glued to the conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41.

Finally, the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 are connected to one another.

However, it is possible that the connection of the first glass 1 to the second glass 2 can take place before the first mounting area 61 is glued to the conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41.

To connect the first glass 1 to the second glass 2, air is first removed from the space between the glasses 1, 2, so that a vacuum prevails in the space between the glasses 1, 2.

The arrangement of the first glass 1, the second glass 2 and the laminating film arranged in between is heated at a temperature between 110 degrees Celsius and 150 degrees Celsius, in particular between 130 degrees Celsius and 145 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, pressure is exerted on the arrangement made up of glasses 1, 2.

When heated, the laminating film becomes pasty or liquid. Thus and due to the pressure exerted on the arrangement of the first glass 1 and the second glass 2, the material of the laminating film flows into the space 40, which is passed through the first glass 1, the second glass 2, the first frame area 61 and the second frame area 62 is defined, and fills it out completely.

If the socket 6 has the groove 65 described above, the material of the laminating film also flows into the groove 65.

After the material of the laminating film has been cooled, a firm connection of the first glass 1 with the second glass 2 and the frame 6 with the glasses 1, 2 is achieved. In the process, the starting intermediate layer, designed as a laminating film, has become the connecting intermediate layer 5 in the finished watch glass 10. If the material of the laminating film has flowed out of the space between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2 as a result of the joining process, this material is removed to produce the finished watch glass 10.

The finished watch glass 10 is then introduced into the housing 11 of the watch 100 and glued to it over its circumference.

The method described surrounds the mount 6 with connecting material of the connecting intermediate layer 5, so that an “anchor” is provided which holds the mount 6 stable on the first lens 1 and the second lens 2 and provides impact energy in the event of a potential impact of the mount 6 forwards to both glasses 1, 2. It is thus possible to prevent the mount 6 from becoming detached from the watch glass 10 and thus falling out of the watch glass recess 4. This “anchor”, which is formed by the connecting material 50 in the space 40 between the first glass 1, the second glass 2 and the frame 6, can hold the frame 6 in the watch glass recess 6, even if it is covered by the connecting material 51 of the connecting intermediate layer 5 should tear between the first glass 1 and the second glass 2.

In Figure 7, a watch glass 10 is shown according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The structure of the watch glass 10 according to the second embodiment basically corresponds to that of the watch glass 10 according to the first embodiment.

However, in contrast to the watch glass 10 according to the first embodiment, the watch glass 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment has an annular sealing element 7 instead of an adhesive bond between the first mount area 61 and the conical recess area 410 of the first recess 41.

In this case, the step of attaching the sealing element 7 to the first glass 1 is preferably carried out before the first glass 1 is connected to the second glass 2 .

A watertight and airtight arrangement of the mount 6 on the first glass 1 is thus achieved. This can prevent the connecting intermediate layer 5 from coming into contact with water or atmospheric moisture.

In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby made explicitly to the graphic representation of the invention in FIGS. 1 to 7 for its supplementary disclosure. List of reference symbols

1 first glass

2 second glass

3 decorative element

4 watch glass recess

5 connecting intermediate layer

6 version

7 sealing element

10 o'clock glass

11 housing

12 dial

13 hands

14 Connection for a bracelet

15 interior

16 bracelet

18 top

19 area

28 bottom

29 area

30 table

31 crown facet

40 room

41 first recess

42 second recess

43 central axis

50 space

60 flanging

61 first frame

62 second frame

63 end area

64 opening

65 recess

66 outer surface

67 space

100 o'clock

101 central axis

102 axis 300 measure

301 central axis

302 cross-sectional area 400 cross-sectional area 410 conical recess area

411 cylindrical recess area

420 conical recess area

421 cylindrical recess area 500 thickness direction 501 direction perpendicular to the thickness direction

502 thickness

503 thickness

504 thickness

505 thickness 506 thickness

507 thickness

508 thickness

Claims

Expectations

1. watch glass (10) comprising:

. a first glass (1),

. a second glass (2) which is connected to the first glass (1) via a connecting intermediate layer (5),

. a decorative element (3) which is inserted into a socket (6), and. a watch glass recess (4) which is formed by a first recess (41) in the first glass (1) and a second recess (42) in the second glass (2),

. wherein the socket (6) is arranged in the watch glass recess (4),

. wherein a space (40) of the watch glass recess (4), which is defined by the first glass (1), the second glass (2) and the frame (6), is filled with connecting material (50) of the connecting intermediate layer (5), so that the mount (6) is connected to the first glass (1) and the second glass (2) via the connecting material (50).

2. watch glass (10) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (6) has at least one recess which is formed in a lateral surface (66) of the holder (6).

3. watch glass (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mount (6) has a first mount area (61) and a second mount area (62).

4. watch glass (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first mount area (6) and / or the second mount area (61) is / are inclined to an axis (102) perpendicular to the glasses (1, 2).

5. watch glass (10) according to claim 4, wherein the second mount area (62) has a greater inclination than the first mount area (61):

6. watch glass (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, that the second mount area (62) over an underside (28) of the second glass (2), in particular a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10%, particularly preferably a maximum of 5%, a thickness (505) of the watch glass (10) protrudes.

7. watch glass (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first recess (41) and in particular also the second recess (42) are formed continuously.

8. watch glass (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (3) has a dimension (300) which is at least 50%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably over 100%, of a thickness (505) of the watch glass (10 ), parallel to an axis perpendicular to the glasses (1, 2).

9. watch glass (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element (3) protrudes over an upper side (18) of the watch glass (10).

10. Watch glass (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first recess (41) and / or the second recess (42) each have a conical recess area (410, 420) and a cylindrical recess area (411, 421).

11. Watch glass (10) according to claim 10, wherein the first mount area (61) rests on the conical recess area (410) of the first recess (41), optionally with an intervening adhesive or sealing element, and in particular at the contact point with the conical recess area (410) ) has a complementary shape to this and / or wherein the second mounting area (62) rests on the cylindrical recess area (421) of the second recess (42), optionally with an intervening adhesive or sealing element, and in particular at the contact point with the cylindrical recess area (421) ) has a complementary shape to this.

12. Clock (100) comprising a watch glass (10) according to one of the preceding claims.